In Pune, Megha Bhat (59) often visits her childhood friend for a leisurely game of Mahjong. The game, believed to have originated in 19th century China, has recently gained popularity. Megha shares that there is a thriving Mahjong community in the city with dedicated players enjoying daily games. Another enthusiast, Delhi resident Vineeta Sahni (63), learned the game over 25 years ago and still cherishes her passion for it. Mahjong, a game of skill and strategy involving a set of 144 tiles based on Chinese characters and symbols, is commonly played at family gatherings and social clubs. The objective is to form a complete hand consisting of specific combinations of tiles. Rules may vary by region and format. Mumbai resident Sangeeta Kewalramani, who has been playing for 16 years and teaching for five, learned the game from expats and offers a ten-session module for beginners to get started."The game of Mahjong remains the same across countries, but each country has customized it to suit their preferences. I also teach my students how to calculate scores," she mentioned. Depending on the table rules, some consider Mahjong a social gambling game where payouts are determined by final scores. However, the majority play Mahjong purely for enjoyment. Sharon Dhondy, a Mahjong enthusiast and educator, frequents popular family clubs in Mumbai such as Willingdon Sports Club and CCI. "Mahjong is not a challenging game that demands intense focus or deep thinking. It offers a mix of challenge and fun, making it suitable for players of all ages," she expressed. In addition to the traditional Chinese style of playing Mahjong, there is also an American variation. While some opt for online multiplayer versions, offline Mahjong has gained widespread popularity. A Mahjong game set typically costs between Rs 12,000 and Rs 14,000, with racks priced at Rs 8,000-10,000. "The cost is usually divided among the four players, making it affordable for regular play," Dhondy explained. For many players, Mahjong is not just a game but also an addictive pastime that imparts valuable life lessons such as patience, integrity, and ability to navigate chaos. A typical game session comprising three to four rounds may last 2-2.5 hours based on player age and speed. "Mahjong is not exclusively for older individuals nor solely for women. It is a popular choice for family gatherings, enjoyed by all. Perhaps it is the association of board games with older generations that gives Mahjong its particular reputation," shared a player from Pune.